Auto-pedestrian collision fatal for Green River man; woman injured

Automobile related tragedies continue to rock the Castle Valley as a pedestrian has been killed and another seriously injured by a moving vehicle, this time in Green River.

Just before 9 p.m. on Monday night a passenger car struck and killed a 53-year-old man, Ramchandra N. Panchal. Fifty-year-old Rashmiben Panchal, a woman who was crossing the street with him, was injured. This incident marks the Castle County's third automobile related death in as many days and sixth road-related fatality in 10 days.

According to Utah Highway Patrol information, at 8:53 p.m. Monday night a white 2002 Ford Taurus was traveling eastbound on S.R. 19 at the intersection of Clark Street in Green River when an automobile/pedestrian crash occurred. The Taurus, driven by Liesa C. Metcalf, 32, of Saratoga Springs, struck two pedestrians as they were crossing the street in a southbound direction, killing 53-year-old Ramchandra N. Panchal of Green River and seriously injuring his wife, 50-year-old Rashmiben Panchal.

The UHP reported that following the incident, Rashmiben was flown via helicopter to St. Mary's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Grand Jct. Colo. for treatment. Neither Metcalf, nor her 11-year-old passenger were injured during the incident.

According to officials, it is unknown at this time whether the couple was in the crosswalk when the crash occurred. The crash is still under investigation,